Solar Cycle To Set Record In Traverse Across Sahara
Starting on Monday 22nd April, Simon Milward, 36, will attempt to be the first person to ride across the Western Sahara Desert powered only by a solar panel (with no pedaling and no external energy source). His challenge is being supported by AKT Solar and powered by an AKT Solar panel.
Simon Milward will begin his journey on Monday 22nd April, starting at Guelmin in Southern Morocco and travelling 1,200 km "“ the full length of the Western Sahara Desert "“ until he reaches the border with Mauritania. The challenge is expected to take two to three weeks, and Simon will be raising money for OXFAM.
Simon Milward said "The Sahara Desert is awe-inspiring in its scale, cutting right across northern Africa, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea and dominating 11 African countries. In the two to three weeks it will take to cycle across the desert, the solar panel on my bike will generate over 30,000W of electricity. In homes without access to mains electricity, this would be enough to provide light at night for over two years.
"This will really show the potential of solar power. Solar energy is a versatile, pollution-free and inexhaustible fuel source that can supply electricity anywhere in the world. Every hour the Earth receives enough energy from the sun's rays to satisfy global energy needs for an entire year and yet we still have over 1.2 billion people "“ 20% of the world's population "“ who don't have access to electricity. If we can help spread this technology to where it's most needed we could make a real difference to so many people's lives."
"It should also be an excellent adventure." He added.
In order to make the most of the sunlight Simon will be riding for around 10 hours a day with few or no rest stops. The solar photovoltaic panel produces about 27V dc directly from the sunlight and this electricity feeds into the brushless electric motor in the hub in the rear wheel of the bike. The power from the panel is greatest when the sun is shining directly on it but it also produces electricity in cloudy or overcast conditions, which is fortunate in the Sahara as the scirocco wind can cause dust storms rivaling even the foggiest weather in the UK.
Simon has registered his plan with Guinness World Records and the money Simon raises will go to the charity OXFAM. For more information or to sponsor Simon in this challenge, visit www.aktfoundation.org